VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Business Rates

Asked by Helen MaguireLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 4974

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what information his Department holds on the criteria used to determine the eligibility for discretionary business rate relief.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 local authorities are able to provide discretionary business rates relief to ratepayers within their area, having regard to the interests of their local council tax payers. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/41/section/47/enacted

It is for the relevant billing authority to determine the eligibility criteria of the local discretionary business rate reliefs they choose to award.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim